PREVENTION OF OVINE LUPINOSIS BY THE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ZINC SULPHATE AND THE EFFECT OF SUCH THERAPY ON LIVER AND PANCREAS ZINC AND LIVER COPPER

Three experiments were carried out using Merino wethers to investigate if oral administration of zinc sulphate would provide protection against the liver damage that occurs in lupinosis. At the same time, the effect of this zinc therapy on liver and pancreas zinc, and liver copper concentrations, was studied.
The zinc therapy caused increases in liver and pancreas zinc concentrations, and a drop in the liver copper concentration. Adminstration of the toxins of Phomopsis leptostromiformis with the zinc increased the magnitude of these changes.
Administration of 0.5 g zinc or greater per day, as zinc sulphate, reduced the liver damage caused by the toxins of P. leptostromiformis. The degree of liver protection provided by the zinc therapy varied both between animals within treatments and between treatments in different experiments. Zinc toxicity was encountered.     

Effects of concentrate supplementation on blood mineral concentration of growing upgraded Philippine goats

A total of 32 4‐month‐old‐upgraded Philippine goats with mean bodyweight of 13.5 kg were used to study the effects of concentrate supplementation on mineral status of growing goats. All animals received a basal diet comprised of different forage species. Twenty of the animals were supplemented with concentrate at a rate of 150–200 g dry matter/day while the remaining 12 animals were not supplemented. Blood sampling and bodyweight measurement were done every 2 weeks during the 5 months of experiment. Forage, concentrate and blood sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium concentration were analyzed after wet digestion. Forage mineral contents, except for zinc and selenium, were sufficient for requirements of ruminants. Concentrate mineral contents were much higher than the requirements, but did not exceed the toxic levels. The concentrate supplementation resulted in high (P < 0.05) plasma phosphorus, copper, zinc, whole blood selenium concentrations and bodyweight of growing goats, although some supplemented animals showed plasma zinc concentration below the lower critical level. It was recommended that pellets, glass bolus or capsules that contain deficient minerals, such as zinc and selenium, should be used in the study area.     

Induction of zinc deficiency in sheep and its correction with a soluble glass bolus containing zinc

Balance studies were carried out on four Suffolk-cross lambs which were fed a diet containing only 1.2 mg zinc/kg dry matter; zinc deficiency was induced within three weeks. After a period during which the deficiency was relieved by a pica, the zinc deficient state was re-established. Each sheep was then treated with a soluble glass bolus containing zinc, cobalt and selenium. The plasma zinc concentration of the sheep rapidly increased and was maintained for between six and 10 weeks. The bolus was able to supply the daily requirement of the sheep for zinc, with no detrimental effect on their copper status.     

Trace element supplementation of sheep: evaluation of various copper supplements and a soluble glass bullet containing copper, cobalt and selenium

The effect of 5 different copper supplements on copper status of Merino sheep at pasture was examined. Transient increases in plasma copper concentrations occurred following treatment with copper calcium EDTA, copper sulphate, and glass bullets impregnated with copper, cobalt and selenium, but these increases were not considered to be a reliable indication of changes in liver copper reserves. Sheep receiving the glass bullet or 2.5 g oxidised copper wire particles orally or 50 mg copper as copper calcium EDTA parenterally had liver copper concentrations significantly greater than those of untreated sheep for periods up to 51 weeks. Oral doses of 30 mg copper as copper oxychloride, or 300 mg copper as copper sulphate did not alter the liver copper reserves at any stage. The bodyweight and greasy fleece weights were not significantly altered by any of the copper supplements. Plasma vitamin B12 concentrations in sheep given the glass bullet were increased for about 5 months. Thereafter increased plasma vitamin B12 concentrations were observed in all sheep. Blood selenium concentrations were also high during the experiment thereby preventing the evaluation of the glass bullet as a source of selenium.     

The effect of Ruapehu ash on the trace element status of grazing ruminants in the Taihape district

AIMS: To investigate the impact of a large (2-5 mm) volcanic ash deposition containing sulphur and selenium on the trace element status of livestock grazing affected farmland. METHODS: The trace element status of lambs, cows and hinds were compared on affected properties from slaughterhouse liver samples taken prior to and following the eruption at corresponding times of the year. Liver concentrations of selenium, copper and Vitamin B12 were compared. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant elevation of liver selenium concentration in all classes of stock sampled. Contrary to expectations, liver copper concentrations did not fall in any class of stock sampled and in fact with hinds there was a statistically significant elevation. The Vitamin B12 status of lambs showed a significant reduction, which could not be attributed to any specific aspect of the composition of the ash. CONCLUSIONS: A large deposition of selenium in volcanic ash which increased pasture levels by a factor of about 10 times also increased the liver selenium concentration of livestock. A large deposition of sulphur in volcanic ash which increased soil sulphur levels by a factor of about 30 times on a yellow brown loam soil did not result in a depletion of the liver copper concentrations of livestock grazing the affected farmland. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ruapehu ash deposits increased the liver selenium concentrations of livestock but did not result in toxic levels. Large ash deposits of sulphur to the yellow brown loam soil increased soil sulphur concentrations to many times that which could be achieved economically with fertiliser but did not result in liver copper depletion of livestock.     

Copper, zinc and molybdenum in goat liver.

The concentrations of copper, zinc and molybdenum were measured in the liver of goats from western and south-eastern Norway. The mean copper concentrations in the liver of goats from these two districts were 23±19 µg Cu/g and 59±31 µg Cu/g wet weight, respectively. As for zinc and molybdenum, no difference was found between the two groups of animals. No correlations were detected between copper and zinc, zinc and molybdenum, or copper and molybdenum. The copper levels in Norwegian goat liver are considerably lower than in sheep liver, and the ranges are significantly more narrow. The concentrations of molybdenum in goat liver are at the same levels as in sheep and swine, while the levels of zinc are somewhat lower.     

Renal lesions and tissue concentrations of zinc, copper, iron and manganese in experimentally zinc intoxicated sheep

Renal lesions were produced in three out of 10 sheep dosed with large quantities of zinc for two to 14 weeks. Administration of the zinc resulted in significant increases in the concentrations of zinc in the kidneys, liver and pancreas, and of copper and iron in the kidneys and pancreas, and a significant decrease in the concentration of manganese in the pancreas. The sheep with kidney damage had increased plasma creatinine concentrations and significantly higher mean concentrations of zinc in their livers and pancreases, and of copper and iron in their kidneys, than the sheep with no kidney damage.     

Evaluation of a commercially available molybdate formulation and zinc oxide boluses in preventing hepatic copper accumulation and thus enzootic icterus in sheep

The efficacy of a molybdate formulation and a zinc oxide bolus as prophylactic agents for enzootic icterus was evaluated in sheep. Before copper loading, liver biopsies were performed on 12 male, 6-month-old, Mutton Merino sheep to determine hepatic copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The animals were restrictively randomised according to liver copper concentrations to 3 treatment groups (n = 4) to achieve similar mean liver copper concentrations per group. All sheep received 4 ml/kg of a 0.5 % aqueous solution of CuSO4 5H2O intraruminally 7 days per week for 10 weeks. On Day 0 the sheep in the Mo-group were injected subcutaneously with 42 mg molybdenum (Mo) contained in a commercial molybdate formulation. The animals in the Zn-group each received a zinc oxide bolus, containing 43 g zinc oxide, via a rumen cannula. Treatment was repeated on Day 42. Four animals served as untreated controls. Urinary copper excretion, plasma copper concentration, haematocrit and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) activity were determined throughout the trial. The animals were sacrificed after 10 weeks and liver samples were submitted for histopathological examination. Liver and kidney copper and zinc concentrations were determined. Neither the molybdate treatment nor the zinc oxide boluses prevented hepatic copper accumulation. The urinary copper excretion, plasma copper concentration, haematocrit and GLDH activity were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the controls.     

Thioacetamide toxicity and the spleen: histological and biochemical analysis

Exposure to thioacetamide is associated with the development of liver cirrhosis in experimental animals. In addition to liver, thioacetamide toxicity has been observed in other organs. In this study, the toxic effect of thioacetamide on the spleen was investigated at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-treatment durations. The level of tissue copper and selenium increased until the eighth week when a significant drop was observed. The zinc level was also increased but returned back to normal by week 8, thereafter it showed further increase. Calculation of the copper/zinc ratio showed an increase, but, recovered and returned to normal value by week 12. The level of manganese fluctuated until the eighth week. It then increased rapidly. Histological studies of the spleen tissue showed a significant increase in extramedullary haematopoiesis in the red pulp region and marked hyperplasia in the marginal zone and follicles. The results of this study, demonstrate an intimate association between trace element levels and spleen pathology, as observed in studies of other organs.     

The effect of pig farming on copper and zinc accumulation in cattle in Galicia (north-western Spain)

Copper and zinc are frequently added at high concentrations to pig diets as growth promoters. Livestock grazing pasture contaminated with pig slurry may, therefore, be at risk from excessive intake of these elements. High liver copper concentrations have been detected in cattle from the agricultural region of Galicia (NW Spain), especially where there is intensive pig farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pig farming does affect accumulation of copper and zinc in cattle in Galicia. Hepatic copper and zinc concentrations in calves were elevated in areas with naturally high levels of these elements in the soil. The densities of young pigs (piglets and growing-finishing pigs), but not reproductive sows, also influenced copper accumulation in calves. Liver copper levels in calves were significantly and positively related to the density of young pigs in the region. In areas with the highest pig densities, more than 20% of the cattle analysed had hepatic copper concentrations that exceeded the potentially toxic concentration of 150 mg/kg fresh weight. There was no evidence that zinc accumulation in calves was affected by pig density.     

Studies on the Haematology and Trace Element Status of Adult Bactrian Camels (Camelus bactrianus) in China

Reference values were established for some haematological and serum biochemical constituents in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in China. The contents of seven trace elements in the blood, hair, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lung, cerebrum, cerebellum, rib, ovary, pancreas and gluteal muscle of Bactrian camels were also measured. Some of these values are reported for the first time for Bactrian camels in China. Most haematological and serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, yaks, sheep and dromedary camels, but the mean serum albumin concentration and the albumim/globulin ratio were significantly higher than those in other ruminants and the mean thyroxine concentration was half that in dromedary camels. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese and iron, and the renal cortex contained the highest concentration of selenium. The concentrations of selenium, cobalt, zinc, manganese and molybdenum in the tissues were within the reference ranges for other ruminants, but the mean iron and copper concentrations in the liver were significantly higher than those in other ruminants.     

AN EVALUATION OF LUPINOSIS IN CATTLE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

SUMMARY A retrospective study of cases of bovine lupinosis submitted to this Laboratory, and a trial in which 3 cows, 3 steers and 3 heifers were grazed together on toxic lupin stubbles, were carried out to determine further knowledge of this disease. It was found that what is presently recognised as bovine lupinosis can be divided into 2 distinct entities on the basis of liver pathology. Firstly, a fatty liver syndrome, which accounted for most outbreaks of the disease and most deaths, affected late-pregnant or recently calved cows, and is suggested to be a nutritional ketosis secondary to mild inappetance caused by lupinosis toxin. Secondly, a cirrhotic liver syndrome, which affected all classes of cattle, usually became apparent in winter and is considered to be the principal result of the direct action of lupinosis toxin. Cattle were less susceptible to lupinosis than sheep. Recommendations are made on grazing lupins by cattle.     

Influence of different copper and zinc supply on their concentrations in blood serum, liver and hair of dairy cows

In a feeding trial at the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Research Institute of Animal Health (FLI) over 12 weeks with 20 cows of the German Holstein Breed the influence of different copper and zinc contents in the ration on their concentration in blood serum, liver and hair was tested. All animals received a diet based on maize- and grass silage ad libitum. The animals were divided in two groups with 10 cows each; group A received a concentrate according to their milk yield with a copper and zinc content as recommended (GfE 2001), whereas group B was offered a concentrate with roughly the double amount of copper and zinc. At the beginning and at the end of the trial a sample of blood, pigmented hair and a liver bioptate was taken from all animals to evaluate the incorporation of copper and zinc in these tissues. In serum and pigmented hair the copper concentrations did not differ between the two groups [13.4 for Group A and 12.5 micromol/L for Group B in serum respectively 6.8 (Group A) and 7.4 mg/kg DM (Group B) in pigmented hair]. Only the copper concentration in the liver was influenced by the different feeding. The higher copper content for group B resulted in a significantly higher copper concentration in the liver (506 mg/kg DM compared to 383 mg/kg DM). The liver is the best indicator organ for a sufficient copper supply. An increase in the zinc content in the ration resulted neither in higher zinc concentrations in serum (15.1 in Group B in comparison to 13.4 micromol/L for Group A) nor in higher zinc concentrations in liver (140 for Group B and 112 mg/kg DM for Group A) and pigmented hair (130 in Group A and 123 mg/kg DM in Group B). There is a significant correlation between copper intake and copper concentration in the liver (r = 0.46), whereas the correlation between zinc intake and zinc concentration in the liver is only tendencially (r = 0.23). The three tested samples serum, liver and cow hair are not qualified to reflect exactly a sufficient zinc supply.     

青海省部分地区藏羊肝脏六种微量元素水平的测定

对来自青海省海西州和海北州部分地区的37份藏羊肝脏样品中的铜、铁、钴、硒、钼和硒等六种微量元素水平进行了检测,结果显示,肝铜含量在34.45±7.37~168.62±57.85之间,处于铜缺乏状态;肝硒水平在0.0169±0.0026~0.0323±0.0033之间,各地均处于极度缺硒状态;肝钴水平在正常范围之内;肝铁平均水平为3572.21±1155.56μg/g,严重偏高;肝钼的水平略低于正常值;肝锌水平略高于正常水平。     

饲料镉对必需微量元素在猪组织中分布的影响

将96头体重27kg左右杜长大生长猪,随机分为2组,每组设3个重复(公、母各半),分别饲喂添加0、10.0mg/kg镉的饲粮,进行了83d的饲养试验,期间每隔两周固定从每个重复中选2头猪(公、母各半)前腔静脉采血。饲养试验结束后,从每组中各选取12头试验猪(公母各半)屠宰,并采集血清、内脏器官样品测定铁、铜、锌的含量。结果表明:添加10.0mg/kg镉显著影响猪的生长性能,其日增重降低18.6%(P<0.05),饲料转化率降低15.1%(P<0.05);10.0mg/kg镉引起了一些组织中铁含量的显著降低(P<0.05)及铜含量的显著升高(P<0.05),肾锌水平显著提高(P<0.05),而心脏、胰脏中锌含量显著降低(P<0.05);添加镉对淋巴结和心脏铁含量、淋巴结和胰脏铜含量及肝脏和脾脏锌含量无显著(P>0.05)影响。     

Use of zinc acetate to treat copper toxicosis in dogs.

Zinc acetate was used for the treatment and prophylaxis of hepatic copper toxicosis in 3 Bedlington Terriers and 3 West Highland White Terriers. Two dogs of each breed were treated for 2 years, and 1 of each breed for 1 year. A dosage of 200 mg of elemental zinc per day was required to achieve therapeutic objectives related to copper, which included a doubling of plasma zinc concentration to 200 micrograms/dl and a suppression of oral 64 copper absorption. The dosage was later reduced to 50 to 100 mg/day to avoid an excessive increase in plasma zinc concentration. The preliminary clinical results were good. Three dogs had mild to moderate active liver disease and high liver copper concentrations at the time of initiation of zinc administration. Biopsy of the liver 2 years later revealed a reduction in hepatitis and copper concentrations. One other dog without active hepatitis also had a reduction in hepatic copper concentrations over a 2-year period. All 6 dogs have done well clinically. On the basis of these findings, we believe zinc acetate to be an effective and nontoxic treatment for copper toxicosis in dogs.     

Ovine white-liver disease (OWLD). Trace elements in liver

Trace elements in liver were examined in vitamin B12 deficient lambs which developed ovine white-liver disease (OWLD), in cobalt/vitamin B12 supplemented lambs on the same pastures as well as clinically healthy, but sometimes subclinical B12 deficient lambs on other pastures (H). Liver Co was marginal to deficient in both OWLD lambs (S lambs) and H lambs. Supplementation with B12 or Co elevated liver Co. Liver copper was significantly lower in OWLD lambs than in the H lambs, and Co/B12 supplementation on pasture generally had no significant effect on the contents. Dosing lambs on OWLD pastures with copper oxide needles (SCuO), however, resulted in high/toxic liver Cu. Dosing with Co, Se and Cu glass boluses resulted in adequate liver Cu, except for 1 lamb with toxic amounts indicating dissolution and absorption of the bolus. OWLD lambs had significantly lower liver molybdenum than H lambs, and Co/B12 supplementation elevated values, while CuO treatment depressed them. Liver zinc, manganese and selenium are also reported.     

Liver copper, selenium and vitamin B12 concentrations in farmed and feral red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To compare liver copper, selenium and vitamin B12 concentrations in red deer of farmed and feral origin. METHODS: Liver samples were collected from red deer at a South Island deer slaughter premise and a game packing house in November 2000. The site of origin and age of each animal were recorded. A subsample of 107 livers was selected (n=5-10 per site of origin and age category) from farmed deer from central Canterbury, Nelson and Westland, and from feral deer from north, central and south Westland. Samples were analysed for copper, selenium and vitamin B12 concentrations and reported on a wet-matter basis. RESULTS: Mean liver copper concentrations for farmed and feral yearlings were 267 and 889 micromol/kg, respectively, and for farmed and feral adults were 206 and 677 micromol/kg, respectively. Liver copper concentrations were lower for farmed than for feral deer (p<0.001) and for feral adults than for feral yearlings (p=0.002). Mean liver selenium concentrations in farmed and feral yearlings were 2050 and 1539 nmol/kg, respectively, and in farmed and feral adults were 1938 and 1625 nmol/kg, respectively. Liver selenium concentrations varied significantly between regions and overall, farmed deer had higher liver selenium concentrations than feral deer (p=0.04). Mean liver vitamin B12 concentrations in farmed and feral yearlings were 456 and 742 nmol/kg, and for farmed and feral adults were 428 and 869 nmol/kg, respectively. Liver vitamin B12 concentrations were lower for farmed than for feral deer (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Feral deer had higher liver copper and vitamin B12 concentrations and lower liver selenium concentrations than farmed deer in the regions studied.     

Changes in blood levels of zinc, copper, selenium, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin B12 and total and free thyroxine in sheep removed from pasture and held without food for 50 hours

Blood was collected from a group of ten sheep immediately after removal from pasture and thereafter at regular intervals for 50 hours whilst maintaining them without food but with adequate water. The samples were analysed for parameters normally examined as an aid to the diagnosis of zinc, copper, selenium, cobalt and iodine status. Serum vitamin B12 levels increased with time. Mean plasma zinc concentrations and mean serum concentrations of both T4 and fT4 followed significant parabolic trends. Maximum mean zinc levels (50 +/- 10% higher than initial values) were recorded after 30 hours. T4 and fT4 levels peaked at approximately 26 hours. Zinc levels at two hours were 20 +/- 5% lower than the initial values. Whole blood copper, selenium and glutathione peroxidase levels did not change significantly with time the largest differences were 11 +/- 6%, 5 +/- 4% and 10 +/- 8% respectively.     

Canine liver iron, copper, and zinc concentrations and association with histologic lesions.

Concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc were measured in livers of 95 dogs that were suspected of having liver disease. Iron concentrations ranged from 177 to 7,680 ppm (dry weight basis); 54 dogs had iron concentrations greater than the normal concentration of 1,200 ppm. Iron stores were present in Kupffer cells and macrophages but not hepatocytes. The dogs did not have lesions of hemochromatosis. Dogs with high liver iron tended to have high liver copper and inflammatory lesions. High liver copper concentrations usually were associated with hepatocellular necrosis and fibrosis. High liver zinc was found in only 5 animals and was accompanied by histologic inflammatory lesions in one. In humans, increased iron concentration in the liver exacerbates liver damage caused by a variety of insults, and the same may be true for dogs.